Kenya Wildlife Service sent Director-General Brigadier (Rtd) John Waweru on compulsory leave on Monday, December 5.
Waweru was sent home a few hours after attending the handing-over ceremony of Principal Secretaries at the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Wildlife.
The KWS, an ex-military officer, was immediately replaced in an acting capacity by Wildlife Secretary, Erastus Kanga.
Speaking to the media, an insider revealed that Waweru was asked to remain at the KWS headquarters after the handing-over ceremony as other top officials proceeded for lunch.
He was then reportedly instructed to vacate the office immediately.
A memo from the KWS Deputy Director, Human Resource and Administration was released at 5.00 pm directing the officials to inform all the staff of the sudden changes.
"This is to inform you that the Director General Brig Rtd John Waweru has proceeded on compulsory leave and the government has appointed Dr Erastus Kanga as Acting Director with immediate effect,” read part of the memo.
The memo was directed to Deputy Directors, Divisional Heads, Field Senior Assistant Directors and Wardens in charge of Parks and Game Reserves.
In 2019, Waweru was appointed to office by former president Uhuru Kenyatta in a controversial move that sparked a debate.
Reports alleged that Waweru was appointed despite not being shortlisted like other candidates.
He replaced Kitili Mbathi, who resigned in July 2017 after serving for less than two years.
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